Method and apparatus for preventing plaque, calculus, and hard deposits in body cavities and the mouth

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus, for treating plaque and calculus in the mouth cavity—particularly on teeth—are disclosed. The apparatus—and accordingly the method—is comprised of introducing at least one first-component comprising a material with a redox potential for preventing anions precipitation; and introducing at least one second-component comprising a material with a redox potential for preventing cations precipitation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of treating plaque andcalculus in a human body. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a method and apparatus for treating plaque and calculus inthe human body particularly in the mouth cavity especially on tooth.

BACKGROUND

Calculus is composed of both inorganic (mineral) and organic (cellularand extracellular matrix) components. The mineral proportion of calculusranges from approximately 40-60%, depending its location in thedentition. Calculus consists primarily of calcium phosphate crystalsorganized into four principal mineral phases: octacalcium phosphate,hydroxyapatite, whitlockite, and brushite. The organic component ofcalculus is approximately 85% cellular and 15% extracellular matrix.Cell density within dental plaque and calculus is very high, consistingof an estimated 200,000,000 cells per milligram. The cells withincalculus are primarily bacterial, but also include at least one speciesof archaea (Methanobrevibacter oralis) and several species of yeast(e.g., Candida albicans). The organic extracellular matrix in calculusconsists primarily of proteins and lipids (fatty acids, triglycerides,glycolipids, and phospholipids) as well as extracellular DNA. Traceamounts of host, dietary, and environmental micro-debris are also foundwithin calculus, including salivary proteins, plant DNA, milk proteins,starch granules, textile fiber, and smoke particles.

Sub-gingival calculus (tartar) is composed almost wholly of twocomponents: fossilized anaerobic bacteria whose biologic composition hasbeen replaced by calcium phosphate salts, and calcium phosphate saltsthat have joined the fossilized bacteria in calculus formations. Theinitial attachment mechanism and the development of mature calculusformations are based on an electrical charge. Unlike calcium phosphate,the primary component of teeth, calcium phosphate salts exist aselectrically unstable ions. The following minerals are detectable incalculus by X-ray diffraction: brushite (CaHPO4.2H2O), Octa calciumphosphate (Ca8H2(PO4)6.5H2O), magnesium-containing whitlockite(Ca9(MgFe)(PO4)6PO3OH), and carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite(approximately Ca5(PO4)3(OH) but containing some carbonate).

The reason fossilized bacteria are initially attracted to one part ofthe sub-gingival tooth surface over another is not fully understood;once the first layer is attached, ionized calculus components arenaturally attracted to the same places due to electrical charge. Thefossilized bacteria pile on top of one another, in a rather haphazardmanner. All the while, free-floating ionic components fill in the gapsleft by the fossilized bacteria. The resultant hardened structure can becompared to concrete; with the fossilized bacteria playing the role ofaggregate, and the smaller calcium phosphate salts being the cement. Theonce purely electrical association of fossilized bacteria then becomesmechanical, with the introduction of free-floating calcium phosphatesalts. The “hardened” calculus formations are at the heart ofperiodontal disease and treatment.

As a summary, in general dental calculus (Sub-gingival) consists ofinorganic (70% to 90%) and organic components. The inorganic portionconsists mainly (70-80%) of calcium phosphate, Ca3(PO4)2; calciumcarbonate (3-5%), CaCO3; and traces of magnesium phosphate, Mg3(PO4)2,and other metals. The percentage of inorganic constituents in calculusis similar to that in other calcified tissues of the body.

The principal inorganic components are calcium, about 40%; phosphorus,about 20%; carbon dioxide, about 2%; magnesium, about 1%; and traceamounts of sodium, zinc, strontium, bromine, copper, manganese,tungsten, gold, aluminum, silicon, iron, and fluorine.

At least two thirds of the inorganic component are crystalline instructure. The four main crystal forms and their percentages are asfollows:

Hydroxyapatite, approximately 58%

Magnesium whitlockite, approximately 21%

Octacalcium phosphate, approximately 12%

Brushite, approximately 9%

The organic content of dental calculus (Sub-gingival) consist of amixture of: protein-polysaccharide complexes, epithelial cells,leukocytes, and various types of microorganisms. 2-10% of the organiccomponent are carbohydrate, which consists of galactose, glucose,glucuronic acid, galactosamine, and sometimes, galacturonic acid, andGlucosamine.

There are few effective ways to prevent the buildup of calculus: throughdaily tooth brushing and flossing (which removes dental plaque) andregular cleaning visits based on a schedule recommended by the dentalhealth care provider. Calculus accumulates more easily in someindividuals, requiring more frequent brushing and dental visits. Smokingand diabetes are external factors that facilitate the accumulation ofcalculus. Toothpaste with an additive ingredient of zinc citrate hasbeen shown to produce reduction in plaque accumulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to systems and methods fortreating—preventing and removal—of hard deposits, organic and inorganicplaque and calculus parts in the body cavities and mouth.

Embodiments of the present invention deploy components that includematerials and composite materials, (which include variety of metal ions,metals and variety of cations) into the oral cavity. The material or thecomposite materials can be insoluble state or solid state; it can bewith a single compound (e.g., gold), or a single component material ormultiple component material. A single component can be alloy, made of amultiple component material and can made of two different metals (e.g.,copper and zinc), or can be in a composite form (e.g., a compositematerial that is made from a mixture of multiple compounds), which canbe effective in reduction or oxidation. For example, a result of anoxidation half reaction by putting together solid Zinc & solid copper,in different Molar quantitative ratios. The material or the compositematerials, once in the oral cavity, will change the redox(Reduction/Oxidation) potentials of the precipitants to a non-solidstate. Accordingly, the potential difference prevents the formation ofthe plaque and calculus and the dental plaque and calculus. This processmay also reverse the previous precipitants, and dissolve existingdeposits. Optionally, the material or the composite materials candissolve in body fluids (e.g., gingival fluids or saliva) or can be intouch with them to create the right redox potentials, which will preventthe dental plaque and calculus.

According to the present invention, different types of mouth applicationtechniques can achieve dental plaque and calculus prevention process,using changing the redox potential of the precipitants, such asplacement in adhesives or prosthetic materials, being adhesive ormechanically attached to the teeth by dental compounds (that includemetals or composite materials or both) or by direct or indirectmechanical attachments. It includes a sticker placed on the teeth, orthobrackets, mouth washes, slow release chips in the gingivae e.g. “periochip”, toothbrushes with release solution, or a slow release compoundembedded in a material that may have a control chip with a controlfeature that regulates the release flow according to concentrations inthe “electronic solution”.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method fortreating plaque and calculus on the teeth. The method comprises of (a)introducing at least one first-component comprising a material with aredox potential for preventing anions precipitation; and (b) introducingat least one second-component comprising a material with a redoxpotential for preventing cations precipitation.

According to a preferred embodiment, each of the components is made ofat least one material or composite material—organic or inorganic—andwherein the components are packaged in at least one unit to be attachedto the teeth or to the gingivae.

According to another preferred embodiment of the method, at least one ofthe components is an intermediate agent or a catalytic agent, whichenhances the prevention of the precipitation.

According to another preferred embodiment of the method, the unit hasthe capability to release slowly the material or composite materialsinto the saliva.

According to another preferred embodiment of the method, a controller isadded to the unit that is capable to control the release of material orcomposite materials, according to predetermined criteria.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus isprovided for treating plaque and calculus in the mouth cavity,particularly on teeth, this apparatus is comprised of at least onefirst-component comprising a material with a redox potential forpreventing anions precipitation and at least one second-componentcomprising a material with a redox potential for preventing cationsprecipitation wherein these components are designed to be placed insidethe mouth cavity and to be in touch with the saliva.

According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is provided whereinit is designed to be attached on a tooth and on the gingivae.

According to another preferred embodiment, the apparatus is designed asthat capable to release slowly the components' materials.

According to another preferred embodiment, the apparatus furtherincludes a controller operative for controlling the release of thecomponents' materials, according to predetermined criteria.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the apparatus is providedwherein the components are implemented as an orthodontic bracket andcement—for attaching the bracket to the tooth—wherein the bracket andcement are made of the mentioned materials.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is provideda method for treating plaque and calculus in the human body, the methodis comprised of the steps (a) introducing at least one first-componentcomprising a material with a redox potential for preventing anionsprecipitation; and (b) introducing at least one second-componentcomprising a material with a redox potential for preventing cationsprecipitation.

In a preferred use of the method, each of the components is made of atleast one material or composite material—organic or inorganic—andwherein the components are packaged in at least one unit to be locatedin the under treatment area.

In another preferred use of the method, the unit has the capability torelease slowly the material or composite materials in in the undertreatment area.

In another preferred use of the method, further adding a controller tothe unit that is capable to control the release, of the material orcomposite materials, according to predetermined criteria.

In another preferred use of the method, at least one of the componentsis intermediate agent or catalytic agent in order to enhance thepreventing precipitation.

In another preferred use of the method, using a cathodic protection, tocontrol the oxidation of the components' material surfaces.

In yet another preferred use of the method, the cathodic protection isachieved by using an outside potential source for a short timetreatment.

EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

In the principles of electrochemistry, the more positive reductionpotential gives a more oxidative agent, the more negative reductionpotential, gives more reductive agent and the more positive reductionreaction potential gives more spontaneous reaction.

The main object of the present invention is to prevent precipitation ofcalculus also known as tartar, which is composed of different types ofprecipitant compound. Precipitation prevention it means to change thepriority of the precipitation reaction by changing the potentials toproduce a non-precipitant compounds. This can be achieved by producingmore positive reduction reaction potential than that of the precipitateto a non-precipitate species. Following are some examples.

Ca2+(aq)+2e−→Ca(s). The Standard Potential E° (volts) of this reactionis −2.76v (negative). It means that the opposite reaction potential[oxidation of Ca(s) to Ca2+(aq)] is +2.76v (positive). By providing anon-precipitant stronger oxidation agent than Ca2+(aq), which will notproduce the precipitant of Calcium, its prevents the precipitation.Actually, there are two direction reactions, that means that by addingCalcium (0) metal to the composite the reaction priority is changed.

Mg2+(aq)+2e−→Mg(s). The Standard Potential E° (volts) of this reactionis −2.38v (negative). Its mean that the opposite reaction potential[oxidation of Mg(s) to Mg2+(aq)] is +2.38v (positive). By providing anon-precipitant stronger oxidation agent than Mg2+(aq), which will notproduce the precipitant of Magnesium, the precipitation is prevented.Actually, there are two direction reactions, that means that by addingMagnesium (0) metal to the composite the reaction priority is changed.

By putting put together Zinc (metal) with copper salt (Cu+2), thespontaneous reaction is: Cu+2 (aq)+Zn (s)→Cu(s)+Zn2+(aq) with standardpotential (E0) of +1.10v, which gives as a spontaneous reaction.Cu2+(aq)+2e−→Cu(s) with E0 of +0.34 (Positive), and Zn2+(aq)+2e−→Zn(s)with E0 of −0.76 (Negative). The oxidation of Zn(s) is with E0 of +0.76(Positive). Actually, there are two direction reactions and that meanthat by adding Zinc (0) metal to the composite the reaction priority ischanged.

When putting together Gold (metal), Common oxidation states of goldinclude +1 (gold (I) or aurous compounds) and +3 (gold (III) or auriccompounds). Gold ions in solution are readily reduced and precipitatedas metal by adding any other metal as the reducing agent. The addedmetal is oxidized and dissolves, allowing the gold to be displaced fromsolution and be recovered as a solid precipitate. In the case of puttingoxidizing agent, it can change the reaction direction of metal gold (inamalgam or other forms) to one of the Gold oxidation states, which willprevent precipitation of other salts. Gold readily dissolves in mercuryat room temperature to form a composite such as an amalgam, and formsalloys with many other metals at higher temperatures. These alloys canbe produced to modify the hardness and other metallurgical properties,to control melting point or to create exotic colors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numeralsor characters indicate corresponding or like components. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is an apparatus in accordance with the present invention in anexample operation; and,

FIG. 2 is an alternative apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1. The apparatus 11 is shown, forexample, a sticker that is attached to one or more teeth 10, typicallyon the inner side. The teeth 10 may include, for example, one of thelower incisors. The illustrated sticker 11 is with two units, a firstunit 12 a, which is made of an alloy of gold, zinc, copper and mercury,and a second unit 12 b, which is made of gold salts, platinum salts,zinc salts, copper salts and magnesium salts. The materials of the unitsare react as described above and treat plaque and calculus—preventsprecipitation and reverse the existing precipitations.

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 11 where a controller 13 has been added tothe apparatus 11. The controller 13 functions in cases that thematerials are slowly released, the releasing rate can be controlled bythe controller 13 according to predetermined criteria. In a preferredembodiment the controller 13 can use a cathodic protection methods.

While the present invention has been described, so as to enable one ofskill in the art to practice the present invention, the precedingdescription is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used tolimit the scope of the invention, which should be determined byreference to the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for treating plaque andcalculus in the mouth cavity comprising: a first inner side and a secondouter side, the first inner side comprising an adhesive or a mechanicalattachment and the second outer side comprising at least a first unitand at least a second unit; the at least one first unit comprising amaterial with a redox potential for inhibiting anion precipitation; and,the at least one second unit comprising a material with a redoxpotential for inhibiting cation precipitation, wherein once in the oralcavity, the redox potentials of the materials change to producenon-precipitant compounds.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast one first unit and the at least one second unit release theirmaterials over a predetermined time upon contact with at least one ofsaliva or gingival fluid in the mouth cavity.
 3. The apparatus of claim2, additionally comprising: a controller for controlling the release ofthe materials.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material of theat least one first unit includes metals.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein the metals are selected from the group consisting of: gold,zinc, copper, mercury, and alloys thereof.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the material of the at least one second unit includes metalsalts.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the metal salts include atleast one metal, the metal selected from the group consisting of: gold,platinum, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the inner said mechanical or a chemical attachment includes asticker for adhering to at least one tooth and/or the gingivae.